Laverne Cox’s Journey to Womanhood—And So Much More
by Ruby LaBrusciano-Carris
While I stood in the enormously long line, snaking through the third floor of the Davis Center, I chatted with a few of the people around me, wondering how so many different kinds of people had found themselves at this event. It was a true testament to the open-mindedness and enthusiasm of our school, and whether we were there for the celebrity or the idea, we all came away with some very fundamental and significant messages, courtesy of the evocative, humorous, and meaningful words of the fabulous Laverne Cox.
As Laverne opened her speech, she mentioned the many inspirations in her life, from feminist writers to African-American activists like Bell Hooks and Sojourner Truth. She explained their profound significance, and how the impact of powerful women like them helped her to define herself as a woman. One of the statements which had most touched Laverne in her early life was the philosopher Beauvoir’s message; “One is not born, but rather becomes a woman.” It was people and sentiments such as this, which helped to solidify Laverne’s gender identity as she grew up and struggled with shame, bullying, and depression.
Laverne described that as a young boy in Mobile, Alabama, the other young children in her class had made fun of her, because she was a boy that acted like a girl. They were all only kids, but already her classmates had fallen into the habit of “policing the gender binary model”, she explained, which defines gender as being inherently separate and heterosexual. In Laverne’s ideal world, she believes that young children should be able to have safe spaces that allow self-determination of gender—a healthy alternative to the conformity that pervades our society even today.
The classroom was by no means a healthy environment for Laverne, and when she was seen fanning herself in class one day, with a handheld fan and the vivacity of Scarlett O’Hara, a distressed teacher had called her mother declaring, “Your son is going to end up in New Orleans in a dress one day, unless you get him into therapy!” And Laverne let us know that just a little while ago she had found herself in New Orleans, in a dress—which the crowd responded to with good-spirited laughter.
Laverne went on to describe her shaming experiences thinking about other boys, surviving the Bethel Church of Mobile, Alabama, and her introduction to the Alabama School of Fine Arts—which, though being a tough experience in a lot of ways, was a critical element leading her down the path to New York, acting, and womanhood.
Bedecked in “Salvation Armani”, Laverne’s New York experience allowed her to grow and further define herself through her art, meet diverse and interesting people, and get down with the exciting nineties club scene. As it is for so many people, New York was a life-changing game for Laverne, helping her to realize, that “so few of us are just one thing”, and if there was one message that she wanted to make sure we all walked away with, it was certainly that. “Have the difficult conversations,” she said, “but do it with love, celebrate the differences.”
A standing ovation from the audience followed Laverne as she walked off stage, as we’d all clearly been mesmerized by this strong and powerful woman with an equally strong message. Having the opportunity to see and listen to such a moving speaker was certainly inspiring, but perhaps even more inspiring was the sheer number of people who were so incredibly excited and encouraged to hear what Laverne had to say.
A big thank you UVM Program Board and all the other fabulous clubs that were able to make this event possible!
